The Mary Taylor House at the Hickman

The Mary Taylor House at The Hickman in West Chester, PA, is a 60-unit Independent Living building designed to provide affordable, adaptable housing that allows residents to age in place. Connected to the main Hickman facility by a pedestrian bridge—symbolizing community connectivity and offering direct access to supportive care services—the building fosters interaction across the campus. Generous community spaces, including a wellness center and multipurpose room, support resident activities, while a faux-mansard roof with slate-like shingles reflects the neighborhood’s historic character and conceals an extensive green roof.

Achieving LEED for Homes Gold certification, the building features non-PVC/low-VOC materials, Energy Star fixtures, and a highly insulated envelope exceeding energy code requirements. The green roof, designed to manage stormwater by capturing a 2-year, 3.4 inch rainfall and retaining 49% annually, eliminated the need for an underground basin, saving costs that offset the added structural requirements. These sustainable strategies, combined with thoughtful design, create a true home that reflects the values and traditions of The Hickman’s long-standing mission.